David with Philistines I Samuel 27

I Samuel 27:1 "And David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: there is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines; and Saul shall despair of me, to seek me any more in any coast of Israel: so shall I escape out of his hand."

It would be easy to criticize David for running away. It must be remembered that Saul came after him with thousands while David had only hundreds. It is noteworthy that David chose to hide in the enemy camp after killing so many of them. But, I think, the most important thing we should remember about David is that he was but a man. He made mistakes like the rest of us. That his life was so diverse and human makes him so loved by those who study him. In spite of his faults, David prayed and trusted the LORD.

v4 "And it was told Saul that David was fled to Gath: and he sought no more again for him."

David went to the king of Gath and asked him for a quiet city to dwell in. He was given Ziklag and dwelt there with his family. He was not a stay at home sort of man. David went and invaded the enemies of Israel toward Egypt. The Amalekites were included. King Achish asked David about his adventures.

v10 "And Achish said, Whither have ye made a road to day? And David said, Against the south of Judah, and against the south of the Jerahmeelites and against the south of the Kenites."

David lied. He had been to the wilderness of Shur and fought Geshurites, Gezrites and Amalekites. v8. It was enough to convince the king that David had made an enemy of his own people and so the king believed David.

v12 "And Achish believed David, saying, He hath made his people Israel utterly to abhor him; therefore he shall be my servant for ever."

This chapter was the setting for the next chapter where David almost fought with the Philistines against Israel. The LORD intervened.

Psalm 2:2-3 "The kings of the earth set themselves and the rulers take counsel together against the LORD, and against his anointed saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. v4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the LORD shall have them in derision."

Keywords: Bible Study, Old Testament, Samuel, Israel, David, Saul, Gath,Milton Southerland